What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgery in which fat deposits in certain parts of the body are absorbed with a special vacuum or special injectors and fat is removed from the body. It is definitely not a weight loss surgery, it is a body contour correction surgery. With this surgery, while the increased volume, resistant to diet and exercise is removed from the body, the number of existing fat cells is reduced.

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In liposuction surgery, the stubborn fat area is inflated with a special liquid injection. Then, several incisions of a few mm in length are made on or near this area. From these incisions, metal pipes with a diameter of 2-6 mm, called cannulae, are inserted into the subcutaneous layer and the cannulas are connected to the vacuum device with transparent hoses.

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The vacuum device is operated, the cannulae are moved to the appropriate depth in the fat accumulation areas and the process of removing excess fat starts. The process of absorbing fats by means of vacuum continues until the desired body contour and a smooth skin surface are provided. In recent years, ultrasound energy has been used. In this method, excess fat tissues are broken down by ultrasound waves, then vacuumed similarly.

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Although excessive stubborn fat is removed with liposuction, fat deposits that cause contour irregularity can be removed with the method called superficial liposuction or liposculpture developed in the last 1 0 years. .

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The classical liposuction procedure caused serious problems due to the wide and sharp cannula diameters used in the 1970s, when it first appeared, and the vacuum devices used were not sufficient. The procedure can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss in the body. There have been patients who died after this surgery. These problems are left behind today. With the techniques that have been applied for the last 10 years, Iiposuction has taken its indispensable place in body contour correction. As long as the aim is not weakening, but contour correction, it is a surgery without any risk in a well-chosen patient, if the safety limit is not exceeded with a well-applied technique in hospital conditions. Today, the safety limit is accepted as 2.5 - 4.5 liters in different sources. There are also those who take more fat. In this case, measures are taken to complement the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance, sometimes blood transfusion may be required. In patients with excessive obesity called morbid obesity, necessary precautions have been taken and it has become possible to remove up to 28 liters of fat in one session.

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Operation

The operation is performed in the operating room under hospital conditions and under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. A combination of local anesthesia and sedation (sleeping through the vein) is preferred. In very limited small areas, only local anesthesia can be applied. The operation takes between 1-5 hours depending on the condition of the areas where vacuum will be applied. Cannula entry holes are usually not sewn or 1-2 stitches are placed. Sometimes, using cannula holes, special thin tubes (drains) are placed in the areas, this serves to drain the serum accumulated inside. Depending on the extent of the operation, it is possible to leave the hospital the same day or 24 hours later.

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It is usually comfortable after the operation. The pain is very low and can be relieved with medication. At the end of the surgery, a special bandage is applied to the vacuumed areas and the patient is dressed in a special corset. After the operation, the patient is dressed. The patient continues to wear corset for 5-6 weeks. There may be purplish color changes in vacuum applied areas. There may be swelling, tingling and burning sensation. They disappear spontaneously within 3 weeks. Surgical scars become vague within 2-6 months.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I want to have liposuction surgery. Who should I contact?

This is an aesthetic operation. Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons should be consulted. Apart from this surgical branch, various surgeons say that they perform this surgery due to high demand. It will be in their own best interest for the patients to have surgery after researching the surgeon's specialty.

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Which areas are suitable for liposuction?

It has become possible to vacuum fat deposits in many areas of the body such as under the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arm, breasts, chest, abdomen, waist, hip, thigh, inner side of the knee, back of the leg. It is also used as a complementary procedure in other body contour correction surgeries (tummy tuck, breast reduction, etc.).

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Will there be any scars after liposuction?

IThe entrance holes of the cannulas (metal pipes performing liposuction) are usually 2-4 mm. The remaining traces of these are vague. The scars in this surgery can be ignored.

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How many liters of oil can be taken at a time? Can liposuction be done again?

Maximum 4-5 liters of fat can be removed without disturbing the patient's balance and body functions. But there are also those who get more by giving fluid and blood. Here, the choice of the surgeon is at stake. If the areas of the patient are large, re-operation can be performed at intervals of 3-6 months.

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